Facts about Cook Islands

Where is Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands are a group of 15 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. They lie north-east of New Zealand, between French Polynesia and American Samoa. These 15 islands are divided into two groups: the Southern Cook Islands and the Northern Cook Islands.

What is the capital of Cook Islands?
Avarua is the capital of the Cook Islands. It is located in the north of Rarotonga Island. The name is derived from Cook Island Maori, and literally translates to Two Harbors. It is further divided into 18 tapere or sub-district.

How big is Cook Islands?
The 15 islands comprising the Cook Islands cover an area of 91 square miles and have an estimated population of 19,569. the geographic coordinates of the country are 21 12S, 159 46W.

What is the currency of Cook Islands?
The official currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand dollar. It is also the official currency of New Zealand. Its ISO 4217 code is NZD and is divided into 100 cents. It is issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

Which is the largest city of Cook Islands?
The capital of the Cook Islands, Avarua, is the largest city of Cook Islands. It has an estimated population of 5,445. Its geographic coordinates are 21 12S, 159 45W.

What is the official language of Cook Islands?
The official languages of the Cook Islands are English and Cook Islands Maori. Other languages spoken in the country are Pukapukan and the Dialects of Cook Islands. Penrhyn, Rakahanga-Manihiki, Mitiaro, and Mauke are some of the dialects of Cook Islands Maori.

What is the religion of Cook Islands?
Cook Islands is predominantly a Christian state. Jehovah's witnesses, Bahai faith, Apostolic Church, the Baptist Church, and the Assembly of God are some of the religious traditions also represented in the islands.

What is the literacy rate of Cook Islands?
The total adult literacy rate of the Cook Islands is 95%.

Who is the political leader of Cook Islands?
Frederick Tutu Goodwin is the Queen's Representative to the Cook Islands. The current Prime Minister of the Cook Islands is Henry Puna. He assumed office on November 30, 2010.

When is the National Day of Cook Islands celebrated?
The National Day of Cook Islands is celebrated on August 4. On this day in 1965, the government of New Zealand offered to grant self-governing status to the Cook Islands. Albert Henry was elected as the first Prime Minister of the Cook Islands in the same year.

What is the economy of Cook Islands like?
The economy of the Cook Islands is primarily dependent on agriculture. In 2005, its GDP was $183.2 million, while its GDP per capita was $9,100. Services sector accounts for 75.3% of the GDP, followed by agriculture: 15.1%, and industry: 9.6%. Unemployment rate stands at 13.1%. Tourism, fruit processing, fishing, clothing, and handicrafts are the major industries in the country. Major trade flow are with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Fiji.